What did the Arden water project include?
Over 10 years, SCWA installed about 38 miles of new water distribution pipeline and more than 3,000 new water meters in the Arden Service Area (Rancho Cordova Independent).Original system built1929–1970Old pipes2- to 8-inch mains, undersized by current standardsWhy it was replaced:Aging pipes, leak and failure risk, low fire flowState requirement:Assembly Bill 2572 (2004): meters on all water services by January 1, 2025Project cost:About $160 millionCompletedAugust 2026Sources: SCWA Capital Improvement Program, SCWA customer letter.This section of Arden was the last area in California without water meters. The county says the new pipes deliver better water flow, lower maintenance costs, and stronger hydrant pressure that meets state fire flow guidelines (Sacramento County).When was the work done on my street?
SCWA built the project in phases from 2018 to 2026, so your meter install date depends on where you live. The newest phases are at the top.1B, 4, 5 and 6Oct 2023 – 2026Overnight main work on Watt Avenue from San Lucas Way to Arden Way (Apr–Jun 2024). Final paving on Laguna Way, El Nido Way, Los Molinos Way and Arden Way (Apr 2026). Public meeting at Arden Middle School, 1640 Watt Ave (Sept 2023).3Nov 2022 – Oct 2024Public meeting in Arden Park (Oct 2022).2B2021 – 2022Pipe flushing and water quality testing before connecting to the existing system.2AFeb – Oct 2020Main tie-ins at Mills Road and Crocker Road, Baldwin Way and Crocker Road, and Huntington Road.1A2018 – 201911,300 feet of pipe, 76 service lines and 27 fire hydrants. Public meeting at Sierra Oaks K-8, 171 Mills Road.Sources: SCWA project pages for Phases 4–6, paving updates, Phase 3, Phase 2B, Phase 2A, Phase 1A.The project was named the 2025 Project of the Year for the Sacramento region by the American Society of Civil Engineers (Sacramento County).Is my home in the Arden Service Area?
Not every Arden-Arcade address is served by SCWA, so check before assuming the project applies to you. Arden-Arcade has more than one water provider. California American Water, for example, serves parts of the community and recently completed its own Cottage Way Well project (California American Water).To confirm your provider:- Look at the name on your water bill.
- Check the project maps at ardenservicemeters.org.
- Call SCWA's project line at (916) 874-3070 or email ArdenServiceMeters@saccounty.net.
How will my Arden water bill change with a meter?
The biggest change for most owners is billing. Instead of a flat monthly rate, you now pay for the water you actually use.Here is how SCWA handles the transition for residential customers (SCWA Phase 3 Q&A):- **Year one is a comparison year.** After your meter is installed, you stay on the flat rate for one year, while your bills show what you would have paid on the metered rate.
- **Then you switch to metered billing.** You can also ask to switch early if the metered rate works in your favor.
- **You pay nothing for the meter.** SCWA covered the meter and its installation (SCWA Phase 2 brochure).
Who is responsible for the water line on my property?
The new meter marks the dividing line. SCWA is responsible for the service line from the water main to the meter, and the property owner is responsible for the line from the meter to the house (SCWA Phase 1B construction information).Section of lineResponsibilityWater main to meterSCWAMeter to house, first year after installationSCWA covers the work and materials it installedMeter to house, after one yearProperty ownerMany Arden homes originally had water mains running along back fences. The project moved those mains to the street and connected each home with a new service line. Where the new line joined near the old backyard main, part of the existing private line may still be in use, and SCWA does not take responsibility for that older section (SCWA Phase 2A brochure).For owners, that means three practical steps:- Note your installation date so you know when the one-year warranty ended or ends.
- Find out whether any older pipe is still part of your service line.
- Keep the meter box clear and accessible.
Selling in the Arden area: what should I tell buyers?
The upgrade is a story you can tell buyers: new mains, a new service connection, and improved hydrant pressure on the street. Buyers will still ask what water costs, and a metered bill now depends on how a household uses water.Gather these before you list:- Meter installation date and SCWA warranty paperwork
- Recent water statements, including any comparison-year bills
- Notes on irrigation, pools, or other high-use features
- Any records of plumbing work on your side of the meter
Buying in the Arden area: what should I ask about water?
A home with brand-new public water infrastructure is a plus, but plan your budget around your own water use, not the seller's.Questions to ask during your due diligence:- When was the meter installed, and is the home still in its comparison year?
- Can the seller share recent metered or comparison statements for reference?
- Is any older pipe from the original backyard main still part of the service line?
- Who did any plumbing work on the owner's side of the meter?
Arden water upgrade FAQ
**Do I have to pay for the new water meter?** No. SCWA paid for the meter and its installation.**When does metered billing start in the Arden Service Area?** About one year after your meter is installed. During that first year you stay on the flat rate, and your bills show what the metered rate would have been.**Can I switch to metered billing early?** Yes. Residential customers can ask SCWA to convert to metered billing before the comparison year ends.**Will my water bill go up?** It depends on your usage. Metered bills generally run higher in summer and lower in winter, and households that use less water can qualify for 10% or 20% conservation discounts.**Who fixes a leak between the meter and my house?** The property owner. SCWA covered its new work for one year after installation, and after that the line from the meter to the house is the owner's responsibility.**Does the upgrade change my home's value?** There's no published data tying the project to sale prices. It does give buyers new public water mains and improved hydrant pressure, which are worth mentioning when you market your home.**Where can I find project details for my street?** Visit ardenservicemeters.org, call (916) 874-3070, or email ArdenServiceMeters@saccounty.net.The bottom line
The Arden upgrade replaced infrastructure built as early as 1929 with a modern system, and every property in the service area now has a meter. Your water bill now depends on how much water you use, your side of the service line is yours to maintain, and good records help when you sell.Buying or selling in Arden-Arcade, Arden Park, or Sierra Oaks? I'm happy to walk you through what the water upgrade means for a specific address, from the meter install date to what buyers will ask.**Kelli Kelly, REALTOR®** | eXp Realty of California | DRE #02224790 707.803.0081 | Hello@KelliKellyRE.com | KelliKellyRE.comFor project details, visit ardenservicemeters.org or email ArdenServiceMeters@saccounty.net.*This article is for general information only. Rates, policies, and responsibilities are set by the Sacramento County Water Agency and may change. Confirm details with SCWA for your specific property.*Sources
- Sacramento County: SCWA wraps up 10-year water meter and pipe project (Aug 2026)
- Rancho Cordova Independent: project completion coverage (Aug 2026)
- SCWA Phase 3 public meeting Q&A
- SCWA Phase 4, 5 and 6 brochure
- SCWA Phase 1B construction information
- SCWA Phase 2A construction brochure
- SCWA meter retrofit fact sheet
Kelli Kelly
REALTOR®
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